Bearing assembly, stage device using same, and exposure apparatus using same

ABSTRACT

A stage base includes a magnetic body and has a slider guide surface defined by a groove. A portion of the slider that opposes the guide surface is provided with an air pad, whereby a hydrostatic bearing is formed. The slider is further provided with a pressurizing magnet for applying a magnetic attractive force between itself and the guide surface in a direction perpendicular to the guide surface. Displacement of the slider in a direction orthogonal to the travelling direction thereof is limited to a predetermined range using a magnetic attractive force, which is parallel to the guide surface, produced when at least a part of the pressurizing magnet deviates from the guide surface.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a bearing assembly that has a hydrostatic bearing and is ideal for use in an exposure apparatus, which is used in high-precision machining such as semiconductor lithography, or in a machine tool or measurement equipment, to a stage device that uses this bearing assembly, and to an exposure apparatus that uses the stage device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In general, the following two types of exposure apparatus are typical exposure apparatus used in the manufacture of semiconductor devices and the like: a step-and-repeat exposure apparatus (also referred to as a “stepper”) in which, while a substrate (wafer or glass plate) is moved step by step, a plurality of exposure areas on the substrate are successively exposed to a pattern on a master plate (a reticle or mask) via a projection optical system, and a step-and-scan exposure apparatus (also referred to as a scanner) in which exposure transfer of a pattern to a plurality of areas on a substrate is repeated by repeating stepping motion and scanning exposure.

These exposure apparatus are equipped with stage devices (a wafer stage and reticle stage) for positioning a wafer or reticle by moving it at high speed. The general structure of such a stage device is illustrated in the specifications of Japanese Patent Publication No. 63-20014 and 6-6248, by way of example. The basic structure of a stage device of this kind will be described with reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B.

FIG. 8A is a plan view illustrating the basic structure of an ordinary stage device, and FIG. 8B is a sectional view of the same. The stage device shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B includes a moving table 1; an X linear-motor movable element 2 for driving the moving table 1 along the X direction; an X linear-motor stator 3 for driving the moving table 1 along the X direction; a Y linear-motor movable element 4 for driving the moving table 1 along the Y direction; a Y linear-motor stator 5 for driving the moving table 1 along the Y direction; a stage base 6, the upper surface of which serves as a guide surface for the moving table 1; a hydrostatic bearing 7 for levitating the moving table 1 a prescribed amount above the stage base 6; an X movable guide 8 for moving the moving table 1 along the X direction; a Y movable guide 9 for moving the moving table 1 along the Y direction; an X stationary guide 10 for guiding the X movable guide 8; and a Y stationary guide 11 for guiding the Y movable guide 9.

The X movable guide 8 in the above arrangement is moved along the X direction, while being guided directly by the X stationary guide 10, by thrust produced by the X linear motors 2 and 3. With movement of the X movable guide 8, the moving table 1 is moved the same amount along the X direction. Operation along the Y direction is similar. Thus, the moving table 1 is capable of being driven along the X and Y directions. Further, though the structural details of the stationary guide differ in each of the specifications of Japanese Patent Publication No. 63-20014 and 6-6248, both are the same in that a stationary guide is provided as a guide for driving the movable guide.

As mentioned above, the ordinary stage device requires a dual guide structure, namely the movable and stationary guides. In case of an arrangement in which the stationary guides have been removed, the X movable guide will be unstable in the direction perpendicular to the thrust of the X linear motor, i.e., along the Y axis, and in the direction of rotation about the Z axis perpendicular to the plane of the stage base. Even if control is performed based upon thrust allocation of the two X linear motors with regard to the direction of rotation about the Z axis, the position along the Y axis will still be unstable. This means that the X stationary guide cannot be omitted. The same is true with regard to the Y stationary guide.

Thus, as set forth above, the conventional stage device is such that the stationary guides, namely two guide mechanisms, are required. A problem which arises is that these must be adjusted in highly reliable fashion. In addition, the apparatus is large in size and high in cost.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is desired that adjustment complexity be eliminated and cost lowered in the above-described prior art by providing a bearing assembly that does not require stationary guides.

According to the present invention, the foregoing object is attained by providing a bearing assembly comprising: a guide having a top side provided with a guide surface comprising a magnetic body; a bearing provided on a portion of a moving body that opposes the guide surface for the purpose of levitating the moving body above the guide surface, the moving body moving along the guide surface; and a magnet, which has an opposing surface that opposes the guide surface, provided on the moving body for the purpose of applying a magnetic attractive force between the moving body and the guide surface; wherein a relationship between the guide surface and the size and/or placement of the opposing surface of the magnet is defined for the purpose of limiting displacement of the moving body in a width direction, which is orthogonal to the travelling direction of the moving body, to an allowable range, using a magnetic attractive force in the width direction produced in accordance with amount of deviation of the opposing surface of the magnet from the guide surface owing to displacement, which can occur when the moving body moves along the guide surface, parallel to the guide surface and in the width direction.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the figures thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate an embodiment of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

FIGS. 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating the structure of a stage device according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the structure of a stage device according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the structure of a stage device according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the structure of a stage device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the structure of a stage device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the structure of a stage device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 7A to 7C are diagrams illustrating the structure of a stage device according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 8A and 8B are diagrams illustrating the structure of an ordinary stage device;

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the general structure of an exposure apparatus according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a modification of the first embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail in accordance with the accompanying drawings.

In general, hydrostatic bearings of heightened rigidity obtained by prestressing using permanent magnets, as illustrated in the specifications of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 61-290231 and U.S. Pat. No. 2573502, are used widely as guides employed in a stage device described above in connection with the prior art. These hydrostatic bearings include a guide comprising a magnetic body, a moving body that moves along this guide, a hydrostatic bearing provided at portions opposing the guide and moving body, and a permanent magnet provided on the moving body in such a manner that the guide and moving body will be attracted in the direction perpendicular to the guide surface by a predetermined magnetic force.

The permanent magnet provided in order to apply the prestressing usually produces an attractive force only along the direction perpendicular to the guide surface. However, a feature of this arrangement is that if part of the permanent magnet deviates from the range of movement along the opposing guide surface, a restoration force parallel to the guide surface is produced and restores the permanent magnet to a prescribed position. The present invention focuses upon this feature. Specifically, the arrangement is such that displacement of the moving body in a direction parallel to the guide surface is limited utilizing the generation of an attractive force, which is parallel to the guide surface, by the permanent magnet.

Though the details will be described below, an arrangement in which a guide area is restricted by means such as a groove provided in the guide, thereby making the guide area substantially agree with or smaller than the range of movement of a magnet, is adopted as one mode for utilizing a restoration force in a direction parallel to the guide surface. As a result, in a case where the position of the moving body deviates from the range of movement, the magnetic attractive force of the permanent magnet acts in a direction parallel to the guide surface so that the displacement of the moving body in the direction parallel to the guide surface is limited. This arrangement makes it possible to dispense with the stationary guides necessary in the prior art.

(First Embodiment)

FIGS. 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating a stage device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 1A is a plan view and FIG. 1B a sectional view.

As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the stage device includes the moving table 1 that moves along the X and Y directions; X linear-motor movable elements 2 a, 2 b for moving the moving table 1 along the X direction; X linear-motor stators 3 a, 3 b for moving the moving table 1 along the X direction; Y linear-motor movable elements 4 a, 4 b for moving the moving table 1 along the Y direction; Y linear-motor stators 5 a, 5 b for moving the moving table 1 along the Y direction; the stage base 6 the upper surface of which serves as a guide surface for the moving table 1; XY air pads 7 a, 7 b, 7 c, 7 d for levitating the moving table 1 a prescribed amount above the stage base 6; and an XY pressurizing magnet 8 for applying predetermined prestress to the XY air pads 7 a, 7 b, 7 c, 7 d.

The stage device further includes an X guide 9 driven by the X linear motors (2 a, 3 a, 2 b, 3 b) to transmit thrust to the moving table 1; a Y guide 10 driven by the Y linear motors (4 a, 5 a, 4 b, 5 b) to transmit thrust to the moving table 1; X sliders 11 a, 11 b for supporting the X guide 9; Y sliders 12 a, 12 b for supporting the Y guide 10; X air pads 13 a, 13 b, 13 c, 13 d for levitating the X sliders 11 a, 11 b a prescribed amount above the stage base 6; X pressurizing magnets 14 a, 14 b for applying predetermined prestress to the X air pads 13 a, 13 b, 13 c, 13 d; Y air pads 15 a, 15 b, 15 c, 15 d for levitating the Y sliders 12 a, 12 b a prescribed amount above the stage base 6; and Y pressurizing magnets 16 a, 16 b for applying predetermined prestress to the Y air pads 15 a, 15 b, 15 c, 15 d. The stage base 6 is provided with grooves 17 a, 17 b, 17 c, 17 d. X transverse air pads 18 a, 18 b are provided on the moving table 1 so as to oppose the X guide 9. Similarly, Y transverse air pads (not shown) are provided on the moving table 1 so as to oppose the Y guide 10.

The moving table 1 is supported out of contact with the stage base 6 by the XY air pads 7 a, 7 b, 7 c, 7 d, and is simultaneously supported out of contact with the X guide 9 and Y guide 10 by the X transverse air pads 18 a, 18 b opposing the X guide 9 and the Y transverse air pads (not shown) opposing the Y guide 10. Further, the X guide 9 and the X sliders 13 a, 13 b situated at both ends of the X guide 9 are supported out of contact with the stage base 6 by the X air pads 13 a, 13 b. As a result, when the X linear motors 2 a, 2 b, 3 a, 3 b produce a predetermined thrust, the X guide 9 is moved along the X axis in FIGS. 1A and 1B while being guided on the top surface of the stage base 6, and this is accompanied by movement of the moving table 1 along the X axis while being guided on the top surface of the stage base 6 and on both side surfaces of the Y guide 10. Similarly, when the Y linear motors 4 a, 4 b, 5 a, 5 b produce a predetermined thrust, the Y guide 10 is moved along the Y axis in FIGS. 1A and 1B while being guided on the top surface of the stage base 6, and this is accompanied by movement of the moving table 1 along the Y axis while being guided on the top surface of the stage base 6 and on both side surfaces of the X guide 9. Accordingly, the moving table 1 can be moved along any direction in the XY plane by this arrangement.

The XY coordinates of the moving table 1 and its angle of rotation about the Z axis can be found by measuring the position of a moving mirror (not shown), which is provided on the moving table 1, by a plurality of interferometers (not shown), or by measuring the positions of moving mirrors (not shown) provided on the X guide 9, Y guide 10, or on the X sliders 11 a, 11 b and Y sliders 12 a, 12 b, by a plurality of laser interferometers, and it is possible to uniquely decide and control the movement and position of the moving table 1 in terms of the XY coordinates and angle about the Z axis based upon these measurements.

In this case, the X coordinate of the X guide 9 (and of the X sliders 11 a, 11 b secured to the both ends thereof) and the angle of rotation thereof about the Z axis are the same as those of the moving table 1 and therefore are uniquely determined. However, displacement of the Y coordinate, i.e., along the longitudinal direction, is not determined. Similarly, the Y coordinate of the Y guide 10 (and of the Y sliders 12 a, 12 b secured to the both ends thereof) and the angle of rotation thereof about the Z axis are uniquely determined. However, displacement of the X coordinate, i.e., along the longitudinal direction, is not determined. Consequently, the X guide 9 and Y guide 10 require a direct-acting guide of some kind to limit displacement along the longitudinal direction. This is why the conventional stage described above requires stationary guides in addition to moving guides.

The first embodiment provides the top side of the stage base 6 with grooves 17 a, 17 b, 17 c, 17 d, whereby displacement of the X guide 9 and Y guide 10 in the longitudinal direction can be limited without the provision of stationary guide members.

As shown in FIG. 1B, the bottom sides of the Y sliders 12 a, 12 b are provided with the pressurizing magnets 16 a, 16 b which apply prestress for the purpose of heightening the bearing rigidity of the Y air pads 15 a, 15 b, 15 c, 15 d. One ends of the pressurizing magnets 16 a, 16 b are set to be flush with end faces of the grooves 17 c, 17 d, respectively, provided in the stage base 6, and the other ends thereof are set to be flush with the end face of the stage base 6. That is, areas (opposing areas) of the stage base 6 delimited by the grooves 17 c, 17 d and the end face of the stage base 6 oppose the pressurizing magnets 16 a, 16 b over identical widths.

If the Y sliders 12 a, 12 b merely move along the Y direction under these conditions, the pressurizing magnets 16 a, 16 b produce only a Z-direction attractive force with respect to the stage base 6. However, in a case where the Y sliders 12 a, 12 b have moved (have been displaced) in the X direction, the pressurizing magnets 16 a, 16 b deviate from the opposing areas of the stage base 6. The portions of the pressurizing magnets 16 a, 16 b that have deviated produce an attractive force with respect to the stage base 6 along the X direction (the direction parallel to the guide surface), and this acts as a restoration force that offsets the deviation.

More specifically, when the areas of the stage base 6 delimited by the grooves 17 c, 17 d and the end face of the stage base 6 have been made to oppose the pressurizing magnets 16 a, 16 b over identical widths, as shown in FIG. 1B, a restoration force along the −X direction is produced when the Y guide 10 is displaced along the +X direction, and a restoration force along the +X direction is produced when the Y guide 10 is displaced along the −X direction. This indicates the acquisition of an effect similar to that obtained when the Y guide is adapted to be a direct-acting guide along the direction of the Y axis. The same is true also with regard to the Y direction of the X guide 9.

In accordance with the first embodiment, therefore, displacement of the X guide 9 and Y guide 10 in the longitudinal direction can be limited by providing the top side of the stage base 6 with the grooves 17 a, 17 b, 17 c, 17 d and without the provision of stationary guides. In other words, an X-direction direct-acting guide function for the X guide 9 and a Y-direction direct-acting guide function for the Y guide 10 can be implemented by the above-described arrangement.

In the description rendered above, the invention is described in regard to an embodiment in which the following holds:

-   -   (widths of X pressurizing magnets 14 a, 14 b or widths of Y         pressurizing magnets 16 a, 16 b)=(widths of opposing areas of         stage base 6)         but similar effects are obtained also in a case where the         following holds:     -   (widths of X pressurizing magnets 14 a, 14 b or widths of Y         pressurizing magnets 16 a, 16 b)>(widths of opposing areas of         stage base 6)

That is, although a transverse attractive force is produced at portions of the Y pressurizing magnets 16 a, 16 b that protrude beyond the widths of the opposing areas of the stage base 6, usually the force that acts upon the Y guide 10 along the direction of the X axis is zero because balance is maintained. However, if the Y guide 10 undergoes displacement along the X axis, an imbalance occurs in the transverse attractive force produced by the portions of the Y pressurizing magnets 16 a, 16 b that protrude beyond the widths of the opposing areas of the stage base 6. As a consequence, the imbalance acts as a restoration force that attempts to restore the Y guide 10 to the original in-balance position. More specifically, when the widths of the Y pressurizing magnets 16 a, 16 b are made greater than the opposing areas of the stage base 6 delimited by the grooves 17 c, 17 d and the end face of the stage base 6, a restoration force along the −X direction is produced when the Y guide 10 is displaced along the +X direction, and a restoration force along the +X direction is produced when the Y guide 10 is displaced along the −X direction. This indicates the acquisition of an effect similar to that obtained when the Y guide is adapted to be a direct-acting guide along the direction of the Y axis. The same is true also with regard to the Y direction of the X guide 9.

Thus, in accordance with the first embodiment as described above, it is possible to provide a bearing assembly and stage device in which displacement in a direction orthogonal to the direction of movement is limited without the provision of direct-acting guides.

(Second Embodiment)

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a stage device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The sectional view is similar to that of FIG. 1B and need not be shown again. Components in FIG. 2 identical with those of FIGS. 1A and 1B are designated by like reference characters.

The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the construction of the X air pads 13 a, 13 b and X pressurizing magnet 14 a. That is, in FIG. 2, X air pads 13 e, 13 f are provided on the X slider 11 a, and X pressurizing magnets 14 c, 14 d are similarly provided on the X slider 11 a. In the second embodiment, the two X pressurizing magnets 14 c, 14 d capable of regulating the position of the X slider 11 a are provided and spaced apart a predetermined distance. This is accompanied by disposing the X air pads 13 e, 13 f on the inner side of the X pressurizing magnets 14 c, 14 d and enlarging the dimensions of the X slider 11 a and groove 17 a.

By virtue of this arrangement, the X guide 9 is limited with respect to displacement in the direction of rotation about the Z axis. That is, in a case where the X guide 9 has undergone displacement along the direction of the Y axis, a restoration force is produced through a principle the same as that of the first embodiment. Similarly, when the X guide 9 has undergone displacement in the direction of rotation about the Z axis, i.e., when so-called yawing has occurred, the X pressurizing magnets 14 c, 14 d deviate in mutually opposing directions from the opposing areas of the stage base 6. Consequently, an attractive force is produced in the transverse direction, and a rotation moment that acts so as to cancel displacement in the direction of rotation about the Z axis is produced. As a result, rotational displacement about the Z axis is limited at the same time that the X guide is adapted as a direct-acting guide along the direction of the X axis. This provides an effect similar to that obtained when a yawing guide is constructed.

At the same time, a limitation is imposed on the Y guide 10 with respect to displacement in the direction of rotation about the Z axis. That is, the reason for this is that the relative angle between the X guide 9 and Y guide 10 is limited by the relative angle between the X transverse air pads 18 a, 18 b and Y transverse air pads (not shown). In other words, since the X guide 9, Y guide 10 and moving table 1 always act in unison and produce displacement in the direction of rotation about the Z axis, limitation of displacement of the X guide 9 in the direction of rotation becomes limitation of displacement of the Y guide 10 in the direction of rotation.

Further, the second embodiment has been described in regard to an arrangement in which displacement in the direction of rotation about the Z axis is limited solely with respect to the X slider 11 a. However, similar effects can be obtained even if use is made of a similar arrangement with respect to the Y slider 12 a.

Furthermore, in the description rendered above, it is illustrated that overall displacement in the direction of rotation about the Z axis is limited if displacement in the direction of rotation about the Z axis is limited with regard to either X or Y. However, it may just as well be arranged so that limitation of displacement in the direction of rotation is applied to the X slider 11 a and Y slider 12 a simultaneously.

Further, as mentioned also in the first embodiment, it goes without saying that similar effects are obtained even if the following holds:

-   -   (widths of X pressurizing magnets 14 a to 14 d or widths of Y         pressurizing magnets 16 a, 16 b)>(widths of opposing areas of         stage base 6)

Thus, in accordance with the second embodiment, an effect similar to that obtained by providing a yawing guide can be obtained by providing permanent magnets (pressurizing magnets) on a moving body at a plurality of locations spaced apart along the direction of movement thereof.

(Third Embodiment)

FIG. 3 is a sectional view illustrating the structure of a stage device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, the stage base 6 is provided with protrusions 20 c, 20 d. This embodiment is structurally similar to the first embodiment in other respects.

By forming the protrusions, the third embodiment defines opposing areas that oppose the pressurizing magnets 16 a, 16 b rather than providing the stage base 6 with a difference in level and defining opposing areas by the grooves 17 a, 17 b, 17 c, 17 d. That is, it is so arranged that the protrusions 20 c, 20 d serve as opposing areas that oppose the Y pressurizing magnets 16 a, 16 b, and the stage base 6 is provided with other protrusions (not shown) arranged to serve as opposing areas that oppose the X pressurizing magnets 14 a, 14 b.

Here it is so arranged that the following will hold:

-   -   (widths of X pressurizing magnets 14 a, 14 b or widths of Y         pressurizing magnets 16 a, 16 b)=[widths of protrusions 20 a, 20         b or 20 c, 20 d (widths of opposing areas)]

Operation and effects in this case are similar to those of the first embodiment.

Further, effects similar to those mentioned in the first embodiment can be obtained also by arranging it so that the following holds:

-   -   (widths of X pressurizing magnets 14 a, 14 b or widths of Y         pressurizing magnets 16 a, 16 b)>(widths of opposing areas of         protrusions 20 a, 20 b or 20 c, 20 d)

Thus, in accordance with the third embodiment, a guide (the stage base 6) is provided with protrusions that oppose permanent magnets (pressurizing magnets), and opposing areas in which the protrusions oppose the permanent magnets are made to serve as guide surfaces. As a result, effects similar to those of the first embodiment are obtained.

(Fourth Embodiment)

FIG. 4 is a sectional view illustrating the structure of a stage device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. According to the fourth embodiment, the stage base 6 is not provided with grooves or protrusions of the kind mentioned in the first to third embodiments. Instead, as shown in FIG. 4, it is so arranged that the left end of the Y pressurizing magnet 16 a is flush with or extends a prescribed amount beyond the left end of the stage base 6 and the right end of the Y pressurizing magnet 16 b is flush with or extends a prescribed amount beyond the right end of the stage base 6. A similar structure is adopted with regard to the X guide, though this is not shown in FIG. 4.

As a result of the above arrangement, effects similar to those of the first embodiment are obtained. In this case, a restoration force using a transverse attractive force of the pressurizing magnets is made half that of the first embodiment in order that it will be used only on the one side. However, the structure is simplified as provision of grooves or protrusions is unnecessary.

(Fifth Embodiment)

FIG. 5 is a sectional view illustrating the structure of a stage device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. The fifth embodiment is an example in which the transverse restoration force of the pressurizing magnets is used as a fluctuation limiting function instead of direct-acting guide of the X and Y guides.

In the first embodiment, it is so arranged that the following holds:

-   -   (widths of X pressurizing magnets 14 a, 14 b or widths of Y         pressurizing magnets 16 a, 16 b)≧(widths of opposing areas of         stage base 6)         In the fifth embodiment, however, it is so arranged that the         following holds:     -   (widths of X pressurizing magnets 14 a, 14 b or widths of Y         pressurizing magnets 16 a, 16 b)<(widths of opposing areas of         stage base 6)

Even if the xy coordinates of the moving table 1 and displacement in the direction of rotation about the z axis are uniquely decided by controlling thrust of the linear motors, displacement of the X guide 9 along the Y direction and displacement of the Y guide 10 along the X direction are not uniquely determined, as described earlier. In other words, this means that even through there is displacement of the X guide 9 along the Y direction or displacement of the Y guide 10 along the X direction, there is no direct influence upon the xy coordinates of the moving table 1 and displacement in the direction of rotation about the z axis. Owing to this displacement, however, interference is produced between the stator and movable element of the linear motor, parasitic vibration is produced at the time of drive, thereby lowering positioning accuracy, and measurement precision declines. This has made direct-acting guides of some kind necessary, as described earlier.

However, as long as interference of nearby members does not occur, there are cases where displacement of the X guide 9 along the Y direction and displacement of the Y guide 10 along the X direction are allowable, as in a device in which only very low-speed drive is performed or a device in which only coarse positioning accuracy is required. In such cases, a direct-acting guide is not necessarily required. Even in these cases, however, interference should be avoided and therefore a fluctuation limiting function is required. Accordingly, in the fifth embodiment, it is so arranged that the restoration force will not act until the end faces of the pressurizing magnets reach the end faces of the opposing areas of the stage base 6, i.e., so that the restoration force will begin to act only when both end faces become flush.

In accordance with the fifth embodiment, the X guide 9 can be displaced along the Y direction and the Y guide 10 along the X direction within a prescribed allowable range. However, displacement in excess of this range is limited owing to the action of the restoration force of the pressurizing magnets, as described in the first embodiment.

It should be noted that although the stage base 6 is provided with the grooves 17 a, 17 b, 17 c, 17 d as in the first embodiment, similar effects can be obtained even if protrusions are provided as in the third embodiment or even if both ends of the stage base 6 are used as in the fourth embodiment (in the latter case, the pressurizing magnets would be placed at prescribed distances from both ends of the stage base 6).

(Sixth Embodiment)

FIG. 6 is a plan view illustrating a stage device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. The sixth embodiment is an example in which the transverse restoration force of the pressurizing magnets is used not only as a direct-acting guide of the X and Y guides but also as a stroke-limit function.

Here the placement of the X air pads 13 a, 13 b, 13 c, 13 d and X pressurizing magnets 14 a, 14 b is made the opposite of that of the first embodiment, the X pressurizing magnets 14 a, 14 c and 14 b, 14 d are disposed on the outer side, and the X air pads 13 a and 13 b are disposed on the inner side. Similarly, the placement of the X air pads 15 a, 15 b, 15 c, 15 d and Y pressurizing magnets 16 a, 16 b is made the opposite of that of the first embodiment, the Y pressurizing magnets 16 a, 16 c and 16 b, 16 d are disposed on the outer side, and the X air pads 15 a and 15 b are disposed on the inner side.

The generation of the restoration force with regard to displacement of the X guide 9 along the direction of the Y axis and displacement of the Y guide 10 along the direction of the X axis is as set forth in the first embodiment. This arrangement is such that when X sliders 11 a, 11 b move along the X direction, the X pressurizing magnets 14 a, 14 b, 14 c, 14 d generate an attractive force only along the direction of the Z axis if movement falls within a predetermined stroke range (i.e., the stroke through which the moving table 1 moves along the X direction). If movement exceeds this range, however, the transverse attractive force of the X pressurizing magnets 14 a, 14 b, 14 c, 14 d acts as a force to restore movement to the limits of the stroke range owing to the grooves 17 a, 17 b provided in the stage base 6. The same holds true for the Y guide 10. As a result, it is possible to dispense with a mechanical stopper such as a shock absorber provided in the prior art in order to limit operation that exceeds the stroke.

It should be noted that the stage base 6 is provided with the grooves 17 a, 17 b, 17 c, 17 d as in the first embodiment. However, in a case where the stage base 6 is provided with protrusions as in the third embodiment, similar effects can be obtained. In this case, the end portions of these protrusions serve as movement limiters. Alternatively, similar effects can be obtained by using both ends of the stage base 6.

Thus, in accordance with the sixth embodiment, the size of a guide surface and the placement of the permanent magnets are limited for the purpose of limiting the amount of displacement of a slider in the direction of movement. As a result, the effect of a limiting function is obtained in addition to a guiding function when the tables moves through its stroke.

(Seventh Embodiment)

FIGS. 7A to 7C are diagrams illustrating a stage device according to a seventh embodiment, in which FIG. 7A is a plan view and FIGS. 7B, 7C are sectional views. The seventh embodiment is an example in which the transverse restoration force of the pressurizing magnets is used as a direct-acting guide of the Y guide, while a hydrostatic bearing is used as a direct-acting guide of the X guide.

More specifically, in FIG. 7B, a transverse pad 21 a has the side face of the stage base as a guide surface, and a transverse-pad holding member 21 b is fastened to the X slider 11 a. The transverse pad 21 a is disposed at least at two locations spaced away from each other in the direction of movement. Movement of the X guide 9 and X sliders 11 a, 11 b along the direction of the Y axis and rotation about the X axis are regulated by the guiding of the transverse pads 21 a.

By virtue of this arrangement, regulation of the moving table 1 in the direction of rotation about the Z axis is performed by the transverse pad 21 a. As a result, the natural frequency is high. Another advantage is that since the transverse restoration force of the pressurizing magnets is used to regulate the Y guide 10 along the direction of the X axis, an excessive constraining force is not applied.

It should be noted that the first to seventh embodiments have been described in regard to examples in which air bearings are used as contactless guides of each of the components, such as the moving table. However, similar effects are obtained even if use is made of static-pressure hydrostatic bearings that employ oil or the like, or magnetic bearings that utilize a magnetic levitating force or attractive force.

In accordance with the first to seventh embodiments as described above, displacement in a direction parallel to the guide surface of a moving body can be limited by limiting an area of the guide surface that opposes a pressurizing magnet by means of such grooves provided in the guide. As a result, it is possible to realize a bearing assembly that does not require stationary guides, occupies little space, is low in cost and easy to assemble.

Further, in accordance with the sixth embodiment in particular, it is possible to simultaneously dispense with mechanical stoppers such as shock absorbers.

Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the guide portions on the stage base 6, which is a magnetic body, are defined using grooves and the edge of the stage base or protrusions. However, a stage base that is not a magnetic body may be provided with a guide plate that is a magnetic body. For example, in FIG. 3, the stage base 6 may be made a non-magnetic body and the protrusions 20 c, 20 d may be formed from magnetic bodies. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 10, the guide portions on the stage base 6 may be provided with recesses and non-magnetic bodies 22 a, 22 b may be embedded within these recesses.

Furthermore, though permanent magnets are used as the pressurizing magnets in each of the foregoing embodiments, electromagnets may also be used.

(Eighth Embodiment)

An example in which a stage device according to each of the foregoing embodiments is applied to an exposure apparatus will be described in regard to a demagnifying projection exposure apparatus.

FIG. 9 is an overall schematic view of an exposure apparatus according to an eighth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, the exposure apparatus is such that a reticle 102, which is an exposure master plate, is placed on a reticle stage 104 via a reticle chuck 103. The reticle 102 is irradiated with exposing light guided to it from a light source (not shown) via an illuminating optical system 101. The exposing light that has passed through the reticle 102 is demagnified to, e.g., one-fifth the size by a projection optical system 105 and illuminates a silicon wafer 108, which is the workpiece. A so-called wafer chuck 109, namely a substrate holding device serving as means for holding the silicon wafer 108, is mounted on an XY stage 110 that is capable of moving the wafer in a horizontal plane. A stage device described in the first to seventh embodiments is used as the XY stage 110.

An example of an exposure sequence in the exposure apparatus constructed as set forth above will now be described.

Once the silicon wafer 108 to be exposed has been set in the exposure apparatus automatically or manually by an operator, operation of the exposure apparatus starts in response to an exposure-start command. A first wafer 108 is fed into the wafer chuck 109, which has been mounted on the stage 110, by a conveyance system. Next, alignment marks inscribed on the wafer 108 are detected at a plurality of locations by an off-axis scope 107, wafer magnification, rotation and amount of XY shift are determined and position is corrected. The stage 110 moves the wafer in such a manner that a first shot position of the mounted wafer will agree with the exposure position of the exposure apparatus. After focusing is achieved by surface measurement means 106, exposure is carried out for about 0.2 s, the wafer is stepped to a second shot position on the wafer and exposure is repeated in succession. Processing for exposure of one wafer is completed by repeating a similar sequence up to the final shot. The wafer delivered from the wafer chuck to a recovery transport hand is returned to a wafer carrier.

In accordance with the present invention, as described above, a bearing device that does not require stationary guides is provided, troublesome adjustments are eliminated and cost can be reduced.

As many apparently widely different embodiments of the present invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments thereof except as defined in the appended claims. 

1. A bearing assembly comprising: a guide having a top side provided with a guide surface comprising a magnetic body; a moving body which moves along the guide surface; a first movable guide which moves along the guide surface and moves said moving body in a first direction; a second movable guide which moves along the guide surface and moves said moving body in a second direction which is orthogonal to the first direction; a bearing provided on a portion of said first and second movable guides that opposes the guide surface; and a magnet, which has an opposing surface that opposes the guide surface, provided on said first and second movable guides for the purpose of applying a magnetic attractive force between said first and second movable guides and the guide surface, wherein a relationship of the size and/or placement of the guide surface and the opposing surface of said magnet is defined for the purpose of limiting displacement of said first and second movable guides in a width direction, which is orthogonal to a travelling direction of each of said first and second movable guides, to an allowable range, using a magnetic attractive force in the width direction produced in accordance with an amount of deviation of the opposing surface of said magnet from the guide surface owing to displacement, which can occur when each of said first and second movable guides moves in the width direction, and wherein a size of the guide surface in the width direction is defined by a groove, which extends along the traveling direction, provided in the top side of said guide, and a terminus, which extends along the traveling direction, of the top side of said guide.
 2. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the size of the guide surface in the width direction is the same as or smaller than the size of the opposing surface of said magnet in the width direction.
 3. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the size of the guide surface in the width direction is the same as or greater than the size of the opposing surface of said magnet in the width direction.
 4. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein an end portion of the guide surface along the traveling direction is defined by a groove that extends in a direction orthogonal to the traveling direction.
 5. A bearing assembly comprising: a guide having a top side provided with a guide surface comprising a magnetic body; a moving body which moves along the guide surface; a first movable guide which moves along the guide surface and moves said moving body in a first direction; a second movable guide which moves along the guide surface and moves said moving body in a second direction which is orthogonal to the first direction; a bearing provided on a portion of said first and second movable guides that opposes the guide surface; and a magnet, which has an opposing surface that opposes the guide surface, provided on said first and second movable guides for the purpose of applying a magnetic attractive force between said first and second movable guides and the guide surface, wherein a relationship of the size and/or placement of the guide surface and the opposing surface of said magnet is defined for the purpose of limiting displacement of said first and second movable guides in a width direction, which is orthogonal to a traveling direction of each of said first and second movable guides, to an allowable range, using a magnetic attractive force in the width direction produced in accordance with an amount of deviation of the opposing surface of said magnet from the guide surface owing to displacement, which can occur when each of said first and second movable guides moves in the width direction, and wherein the top side of said guide is provided with a protrusion, which extends along the traveling direction, so as to oppose said magnet, and said guide surface is formed by the top side of said protrusion opposing said magnet.
 6. The assembly according to claim 5, wherein the size of the guide surface in the width direction is the same as or smaller than the size of the opposing surface of said magnet in the width direction.
 7. The assembly according to claim 5, wherein the size of the guide surface in the width direction is the same as or greater than the size of the opposing surface of said magnet in the width direction.
 8. The assembly according to claim 5, wherein an end portion of the guide surface along the traveling direction is defined by an end portion, which extends along the traveling direction, of the top side of said protrusion.
 9. A stage apparatus comprising: a guide provided with a surface comprising a magnetic body; a moving body movable along the surface in a first direction and a second direction; a first movable guide which moves in the second direction, moves said moving body in the second direction and guides said moving body in the first direction; a second movable guide which moves in the first direction, and moves said moving body in the first direction and guides said moving body in the second direction; and magnets placed in said first and second movable guides, which produce magnetic attractive forces with the magnetic body, wherein the magnetic body and said magnets are provided so that movement of said first movable guide in the second direction is limited by the magnetic attractive force and movement of said second movable guide in the first direction is limited by the magnetic attractive force, wherein said guide has a first groove extending along the first direction and a second groove extending along the second direction on the surface, and wherein the movement of said first guide is limited by the first groove and the movement of said second guide is limited by the second groove. 